And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men. – Luke 2:8-14

“It may not feel like it, but 2012 has been the greatest year in the history of the world. That sounds like an extravagant claim, but it is borne out by evidence. Never has there been less hunger, less disease or more prosperity. The West remains in the economic doldrums, but most developing countries are charging ahead, and people are being lifted out of poverty at the fastest rate ever recorded. The death toll inflicted by war and natural disasters is also mercifully low. We are living in a golden age….”

10 best cities in US for men to live. Raleigh NC, San Jose Calif, Madison Wisc, Boise Idaho, Salt Lake City Utah, Fargo ND, Austin Texas, Seattle Wash, Anchorage Alaska and Honolulu Hawaii. Ranking of the cities is based on 38 factors, including unemployment and death rates.

‘Bid to clone perfect Christmas trees – German scientists are searching for a way to clone the perfect Christmas tree. Scientists from the Berlin’s Humboldt University are planning to refine a method to clone popular Nordmann fir trees by 2016. They are looking for a method to ensure that the sensitive saplings of the popolur Nordmann fir species grow into impressive specimens. The fir is native to the Caucasas, but is often cultivated on massive plantations in Germany’. IMO, not a good idea.

‘Now meet the real Santa Claus – A man from Long Island who looks like Santa Claus legally changed his name in March so his moniker could match his face. Earlier known by the name Frank Pascuzzi, the father of 4, bears a striking resemblence to Santa. He has long white hair, a beard, a big belly, and a loud laugh. The 54 year old also likes to dress in red and white with sleigh bells draped around his neck. Pascuzzi claimed that he looks like Santa Claus and that people know him as Santa Claus’. Ho ho ho

‘Anne Hathaway (over the publication of her near-nude photos) : I was getting out of the car and my dress was so tight that I didn’t realise it untill I saw all the photographers’ flashes. It was devastating. They saw everything. I might as well have lifted up my skirt for them’. Devastating indeed. Hollywoodian intelligence never ceases to amaze me. Is that an intelligence-free zone or something?

Merry Christmas to everyone from Hawaii and my son and daughter-in-law’s home on Hickam Air Force Base!! Sadly, we’re leaving to go back to Ohio tonight. Happily, I won’t have to look at Air Force One 20,000 times a day to remind me of the fact that the Obamas followed me out here………

‘A smart toaster to give shade to bread: A US student has developed a new ‘smart’ toaster which can cook bread to a persons exact preferred shade of brown without burning it. The toaster ditches traditional time settings in favour of a state-of the-art color sensing method to ensure the bread inside never burns. The ‘Hue’ smart toaster has been designed by 21 year old Basheer Tome from the Georgia Inst of Tech. When the bread is put into the new toaster, an electronic screen on the machine displays the color of the slice as it is’.

We’re having our Christmas dinner tomorrow night because hubby works tonight. I didn’t want to do potatoes with ham, so I’m doing this recipe instead. I think it’ll pair well. That, country green beans, and yeast rolls will finish off the meal.